Vending-machine.



C F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. \APPLICAUON FILED DEC-3|, I910- RENEWED APR- a. 1915. Q15 86% 1% m "J M" m C. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 31. 1910- RENEWED APR. 3. 1915.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

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m WWW C. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC-31,1910. RENEWED APR- 3.191s.

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VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 31. 1910. RENEWED APR. 3. 1915.

J1,21;62. Patented Feb. 13,1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

C. FK RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC.3I.19I0. RENEWED APR. 3. 1915.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

c. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION mm DEC. 31, 1910. RENEWED APR. 3. l9l5- Patented Feb. 13, 1917! 9 $HEETSSHEET 5- C. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE; APPLICATION FILED DEC.31, I9t0. RENEWED APR. 3. 1915- Patented Feb. 13., 1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET z.

C. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC 31.1910 RENEWED APR 3.1915. 1,15,862. Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8- C. F. RICHARDSON.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 31, I910- RENEWED APR- 3. I915- 1,21 5,862. Patented Feb. 13, 191?.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

Snow/tea UNKTED STAES PATENT @FFFOE.

CHARLES FRANCIS RICHARDSON, OF WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO GEORGE B. PITTS, TRUSTEE, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO.

VENDING-MACHINE.

Application filed December 31, 1910, Serial No. 600,254. Renewed April 3, 1915.

.To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES F. RICH- ARDSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Woonsocket, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Vending-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to 'ending machines, the delivery mechanism of which is adapted to deliver stamps, tickets, checks or the like, or portions of a strip of material.

For the purpose of illustration, Ihave, in the accompanying drawings, shown and herein described one form of vending mechanism embodying my invention.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a casing supporting a plurality of vending machines or units embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation ofthe caslng.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the .upper part of the casing, with the door of the casing open to illustrate the position of the vending machines or units, one of the latter being omitted.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the casing on the line 4-4: of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section on the line of Fig. 1.

Fig. Gis a section, enlarged. through one of the units on the line 66 of Fig. 3, showing the coin control mechanism inside elevation.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the vending apparatus removed from the unit casing or section and showing the delivery mechanism in side elevation.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 'i'.

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9-0 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is a section Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the upper portion of the delivery mechanism, the stamp separator or cutter being removed to illustrate the means for controllingthe coin Way or opening.

Fig. 12 is a section on theline 12-12 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a transverse section, enlarged, through a portion and certain parts of the delivery drum or wheel.

on the line 1010 of Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 33, 191?.

Serial No. 19,036.

Fig. 14 is a View of the delivery wheel,

cam, and cam adjusting bar from the left" thereof.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary section, enlarged, on the line 1616 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of a portion of the coin control mechanism showing the form of coin control mechanism for delivering a two-cent stamp by the insertion of two pennies. I

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 with certain parts in a different position, and also bro-ken away for the purpose of clearly illustrating the operation.

Fig. 19 is a section on. line 19-19 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is a section on line 20-80 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a detail view of a part of the plunger locking means.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the delivery drum or Wheel.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the delivery wheel, showing the operation of one of the perforation finders.

Figs. 24 to 30 are detail views.

Fig. 31*is a side view of the coin control mechanism adapted for the delivery of one t\vocent stamp upon the insertion of two pennies, the plunger mechanism being omitted.

Fig. 32 is a side elevation similar to Fig. 31 but adapted forthe delivery of one onecent stamp by the insertion-of one penny.

Fig. 83 is similar to Fig. 32 but shows the y parts adapted for the delivery of one fivecent stamp upon the insertion of one fivecent piece.

Fig. 34 is a view showing the parts adapt" ed for the delivery of five one-cent stamps upon the insertion of one fivecent piece.

Fig. 35 is a view similar to Fig. 3% showing the parts adapted for the delivery of five two-cent stamps upon the insertion of one ten-cent piece.

In the drawings, 1 indicates a support, preferably comprising a casing or housing, within which is formed a chamber 1 having a top wall. 1, a bottom wall 1, side walls 1 and a rear wall 1.

The support 1 may be of any ordinary or preferred construction, but preferably is provided with a mail holding receptacle 2 below the chamber 1. 2 indicates an opening through ,which mail matter is inserted,

such opening being closed normally by a pivoted plate 2*. 2 indicates a door, pivoted at 2, for closing an opening in the receptacle 2, which opening permits the removal of mail matter therefrom.

3 indicates a vending unit removably mountedin the chamber 1. As shown in the drawings, the casing or housing 1 is preferably of a size to accommodate a series of units 3. By this arrangement, one unit may be capable of vending stamps or tickets of one denomination and another unit stamps or tickets of a different denomination.

4: indicates a hinged door for the chamber 1, which door may be locked by the usual pad lock 4 49 indicates a series of elongated openings, one for each unit 3, formed in the door 4:, whereby the major portions of the front faces or walls thereof are exposed to view.

1 indicates guiding and spacing devices.

provided on the top wall l and bottom wall 1 of the chamberl. These devices properly space the units 3 relative to each other and permit them to be easily inserted and removed from the chamber 1.

1 indicates abutment devices carried by the rear wall 1 of the chamber 1. These devices are preferably screw threaded and fitted to-suitable screw threaded openings in thesaid rear wall 1 whereby they may be adjusted. 1 indicates nuts fitted to the abutments for locking them in their adjusted positions. As shown in Fig. 5, the abutments are adjusted so that the space between their inner ends and the inner face of the door 4 is substantially equal to the depth of the units, so that when the door 4 is olosed,'the units 3 are held rigid, the guiding and spacing devices 1 operating to prevent their sidewise movement.

Each unit 3 comprises a casing having top and bottom walls 3*", side walls 3", a

front wall 3, formed with a stamp delivery opening 3, and a rear wall, which is preferably in the form of a removable plate 3". 3 indicates pins carried by the late 3 at its upper endand adapted to t suitable openings the top wall 3. 3' indioatesa lock carried by the plate 3 and having a bolt or latch which engages a keeper 3 preferably carried by the bottom wall 3. The pins 3 and the openings therefor, and the lock, bolt and keeper serve as one form of construction for holding the plate 3 in position.

3, 3f, indicate a pair of ribs, supported by the opposite inner faces of the side walls 3" Each rib 3 is provided with suitable guide walls adapted to slidingly support a base or platform 5. 3 indicates a cross rod or bar, preferably cast integral with the side walls 3 of the unit casing, to keep those portions of the walls adjacent to the ribs 3 from bulging.

6 indicates a vertical wall or member preferably cast integral with the base 5, and extending upwardly therefrom substantially centrally of the unit casing. The wall 6 supports the stamp'feed and delivery mechanism on one side thereof and the coin control mechanism, which actuates the stamp feed and delivery mechanism, on the other side thereof.

Of the strip or stamp feed and delivery mechanism, 7 is a box, preferably of cylindrical shape, secured to or formed integral with the wall 6. 7 is an arbor or shaft, preferably stationary and arranged centrally of the box. The shaft 7 is adapted to receive and support a roll of strip material 7", (such as checks, tickets or postage stamps), which may be weakened on trans- Verse lines. 7 is a cover or end plate for the box fitted on the screw threaded end of the shaft 7 7 is an elongated slot formed in the wall of the box 7 through which opening the strip 7" is drawn by the feed and delivery mechanism.

8 indicates a strip delivery drum or wheel having a;hub 8 and spokes 8 which connect with the hub 8" at one end thereof. 8 indicates a shaft mounted in a suitable hearing 6 in the wall 6 and preferably extending laterally therefrom at either side. The drum or wheel 8 is fixed to the shaft 8 and is driven or rotated thereby intermittently, as will be later described. 8 indicates a plurality of lugs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the delivery wheel 8 near. that edge opposite to the spokes 8".

These lugs 8' are preferably.formed with screw threaded openings to receive screws 8 which secure an annular cap or plate'9 to the wheel. The wheel 8 is preferably rabbeted, as shown at 8 to form a suitable seat for the plate 9. 9 indicates a series of openings formed in the plate 9, which openings are arranged concentrically of the axis of the wheel 8. 9' indicates a series of transverse shafts, preferably in the form of bolts, carried by the wheel 8. One end of each bolt is reduced and provided with screw threads, as shown at 9, and fitted to a suitable screw threaded opening formed in each spoke 8 and the opposite end, or head, thereof is supported in one of the openings 9 of the plate 9.

nausea notches on the opposite flange and the notches being spaced apart on the said flanges the distance occupied by each of the stamps on the periphery of the drum ,or wheel.

8 indicates sets of elongated openings formed in the wheel 8, the openings comprising each set being arranged side by side, as clearly shown in Figs. 11 and 22.

10 indicates sets of perforation finding devices, one set for each set of openings, and adapted to move relative to the drum or wheel 8 and strip in order to find the perforations between the adjoining ends of two stamps, checks or tickets one to another. There are preferably four devices 10 to each set, as shown in Fig. 13. Each device 10. preferably comprises an arm or lever 10 loosely pivoted upon the adjacent shaft 9 a pin l0 at the free end of the lever 10*, which pin projects through the adjacent opening 8 in and slightly beyond the outer surface of the wheel 8, and a tail piece 10 which rides on a normally stationary cam 11, (Fig. 9), the latter effecting the movement of the pin 10 longitudinally of the adjacent opening 8 As shown inthe drawings, when the pins 10 of each adjacent set of finders 10 are in operative position, that is, at the forward end of the adjacent openings 8 they. are in line with two alined notches or recesses '8.

10 indicates spaces or washers mounted on each shaft 9 and interposed between adjacent arms orlevers 10 and between each wheel spoke 8 and the adjacent lever 10 to keep the arms or levers in properly spaced position along said shafts 9 The cam 11 preferably comprises a sleeve 11 adjustably mounted on the sleeve or outer wall for the bearing 6. 11 indicates a bar, which is fixed to the sleeve 11 by screws 11. This bar extends radially of the delivery wheel, and is preferably enlarged at its free end and formed with an elongated curved opening or slot 11. 11 indicates a set screw, adapted to a suitable opening in the vertical member 6 and arranged to se cure the bar 11 thereto. By loosening the set screw 11 and moving the bar in one direction or the other, the cam 11 may be adjusted on the bearing hub within certain limits and thus effect the swinging of the devices 10 at one point or another during the revolutiorrof the wheel 8, the purpose of which will be later described.

12 indicates a weight carried by each perforation finding device 10, and so arranged relative to the pivot thereof as to maintain.

the pin 10 at the rear end of the adjacent opening 8 during a portion of its movement about the axis of the wheel 8. Preferably, the cam 11 is arranged so that when drum 8 about the axis thereof, the weight 12 on the device will cause it to swing in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 9, and move the adjacent pin 10 to the rear end of its slot 8 As shown in Figs. 9 and 23, the strip 7 is delivered substantially tangentially .to the surface of wheel 8 on that side which moves upwardly, and the cam 11 is positioned to move the pins 1O forwardly relative to the wheel 8 and the strip 7" at approximately the same time that the strip engages with vthe wheel. As will be understood, when the pins 1O are in inoperative position or at the rear end of the openings 8 they are behind or rearward of the perforations of the strip. As the pins 1O move forwardly, which movement is at a speed slightly greater than the speed of the strip 7 they automatically find or move into registry with and enter the said perforations.

13 indicates a bracket suitably supported by the wall 6. 13 indicates one or more brushes or sets of fibers projecting upwardly into the path of the pins 10 These brushes operate to clean the pins prior to their engagement with the stamp strip and are preferably arranged relatively to the cam 11 so that they will positively swing the pins 1O rearwardly prior to their operation of finding and entering the perforations between adjoining stamps, checks or tickets, without materially retarding the movement of the wheel 8.

14 indicates devices for guiding and tensioning the strip 7 as it is delivered from the stamp roll boX 7 to the delivery wheel 8. Of these devices, 14 indicates a flat bearing plate preferably provided with flanges or side walls 14C which guide the strip 7 to the wheel. The plate 14* is secured to the wall 6 in any well known manner. 14" indi cates a lever or arm freely pivoted on a stub shaft 14 which is suitably supported by the vertical wall 6. 14 indicates a shoe adapted to engage with the strip 7 and press it against the bearing plate 1 1 The shoe 14* may be provided with a pair of apertured lugs 14, between which one end of the lever 14a is arranged, a pin 1 1 being provided for pivotally connecting the shoe and lever together.

at one end to the end of the lever 1% that is opposite to the shoe carrying end. The opposite end of the spring is secured to some suitable connection on the wall 6. As will be clearly understood, the shoe 14 is yieldingly held against the strip 7" by the spring l t with sufficient force to permit the proper feeding of the strip 7*" to the delivery wheel 8, when the latter is operated, without causing a separation or breaking of the said strip. 14 indicates an auxiliary strip guide extending upwardly from the plate 14 and arranged to support the stamp strip 7" in close proximity to the Wheel 8 as it is fed thereto.

15 indicates a curved strip guide fixed to the wall 6 by screws 15 and extending around a portion of the circumference of the delivery wheel 8, but spaced therefrom slightly to permit the strip 7" to freely feed around the wheel to the delivery opening 3 in the front wall 3 o'f the unit 3. The guide 15 is of a width to fit between and slightly below the upper surfaces of the flanges 8 of the-wheel 8 and thus prevents the strip 7" from running off the wheel. The guide 15' is provided with spaced longitudinal grooves 15" to receive the free ends of'the pins 10".

16 indicates a delivery device, the purpose of which is'to guide the stamp, check or ticket at the free end of the strip 7" outwardly through the opening 3, as the strip is moved forwardly by the wheel 8. This device preferably comprises an inclined plate 16 extending outwardly and down-- wardly relative to the delivery wheel 8. The plate 16 has an inwardly turned member 16" which is secured to a laterally extending support 16. The upper or free end of the plate 16 is preferably provided with fingers or projections 16 which run in the grooves 8 By this construction, it will be seen that as each succeeding stamp, check or ticket of the strip 7" reaches a point substantially opposite the opening 3 it engages with the plate 16 and is guided outwardly thereby through the opening 3" whereit can be grasped and removed or disconnected from the strip.

16" indicates a stamp, check or ticket separator or cutter preferably comprising a plate extending downwardly from a support 16, with its lower or cutting edge in front of the drumor wheel 8 and opposite I the delivery opening 3. The plate 16" is preferably formed from resilient sheet metal sothat its cutting edge, which is bent inwardly slightly, is normally pressed against the wheel 8. The plate may extend entirely across the face of the wheel 8. hen so constructed it rides on the flanges 8 during the rotary movement of the wheel, but when the wheel 8 stops and a portion of the strip has been delivered at the opening 3, the adjacent alined notches 8' which receive the free end of the cutter 16 permit its tearing or cutting edge to move into close engagement with the strip 7". The portion'of the strip delivered at the opening 8 may then.

be readily separated from the strip along the line of perforations, the cutting edge of the separator or cutter facilitating this separation without tearing or mutilating the adjoining portion of the strip.

In Figs. 15 and 16 I have illustrated a slightly modified form of delivery drum or -side by side. Each of these lugs is formed with an opening 8 alined with the openings 8 of the adjacent lugs 8". 8 indicates a pin or rod extending through the openings 8 of each set oflugs. Preferably, one end of the pin 8". extends into a socket 8 formed in the lug at one side of the wheel 8 and its opposite end lies substantially flush with outer face of the .lug 8 at the opposite side of the wheel. By this construction it will be seen that the plate 9 which is seated against the outermost lugs 8" looks the pins 8 in position.

10 indicates sets of perforation finding devices pivotally mounted upon the transverse shafts 9" and each provided with a pin 10". 10 indicates a series of coiled springs one for each finder 10 one end of each spring being connected to an adjacent perforation finder 10 and its opposite end secured to or wrapped around the adjacent As shown in Fig. 16, it will be seen that I the space between the opposing faces of adja'cent lugs 8" is relatively small, so that the stationary ends of the springs are prevented from sliding longitudinally of the pins 8; they are thus maintained at all times in substantially the same plane in which the finders 10 swing.

Of the coin operating and control mechanism, 17 indicates the coin slot or way, the path or direction of which is shown by dotted lines in Figs. 6, 17 and 18. The coin inlet opening to the slot 17, ,is indicated at 17", and the discharge opening is indicated at 17* and registers with an opening 5 formed in the base 5 through which opening the coins drop into the'lower portion of the unit casing. The.walls of a portion of the slot 17 are formed by a pair of plates 17 17", which are secured to the front wall 3" of the unit casing, one of the plates being cut away to form one side wall and the opposite end walls thereof. The other portion of the slot is formed between a plate 17 and the adjacent face of the wall 6. 17 17", indicate side plates interposed between the plate 17 and wall 6 to form the opposite end walls of the slot.

17 indicates a branch slot or chute leading from the slot 17 to a point outside of the unit. The purpose of the chute 17" is to, carry off spurious and defective coins or other devices which may be inserted in the slot 17. 17 indicates a switch normally arranged in. the path of the coin through the slot 17 and adapted to guide the coin into the chute 17. Theswitch 17 is pivoted on a pivot or shaft 17 mounted in the plate 17 and wall 6, and it is thrown out of the path of the coin or coins through the slot 17 automatically when proper or good coins are inserted therein, as will be hereinafter described.

18, 18, indicate a pair of plates placed face to face and secured to the front wall 3 of the unit. One of these plates is cut away to form the slot 17 2 which is a continuation or extension of the slot 17. The slot 17 2 is preferably curved upwardly and one of the plates 18 is cut away as shown at 18 whereby the defective coin or device can be easily grasped and removed.

19 indicates a coin arrester slidingly mounted between the plate 17 and wall 6 intermediate the ends of the slot 17 "and normally arranged to project into the slot 17. The plate 17 is cut away, as shown at 17 to form upper and lower guide walls for the said arrester and permit it to slide laterally. The arrester 19. preferably comprises a ring shaped member and surrounds a fixed pin 19 which limits its sliding movement in either direction,

20 indicates a rotary control member fixed to the shaft 8 for controlling the movement of the wheel 8. This member preferably the coin arrester 19 will e consists of a disk or wheel having a series of ratchet teeth 20*, corresponding in number to the number of sets of perforation finders 10 carried by the drum or wheel 8. 21 indicates ailock and release pawl adapted for engagement with the ratchet teeth 20*. 21 indicates a shaft, or pin, preferably screw threaded to the wall 6, on which the pawl 21 is swingably supported. 21* indicates'an abutment preferably comprisinga projection formed integral with the wall 6 at ornear its rear edge. 21 indlcates'ra compression spring arranged between and having its opposite ends mounted in suit,-

able recesses formed in the abutment 21 and pawl 21, the latter being enlarged at 21 to permit the formationof such recess.

The spring 21 operates to normally maintain the pawl 21 in engagement with the 1 teeth 20 of the controlmember 201 22 indicates thrust devices interposed between the coin arrester 19and the pawl 21',

whereby when the coin arresteris move laterally it, operating through the-thrust devices, will swing the pawl onits pivot 21 against the tensionof the spring 21 and out of engagement with the adjacent tooth 20 of the control member 20. The latter is then. free to rotate. As shown in the drawings, the thrust devices 22 are connected to the pawl 21 at a point relative to its pivot so that comparatively slight movement of ect a long throw the spring 24.

of the pawl 21 at itsfree end. By this arrangement it will be seen that the control member 20 is quickly released from the pawl. The thrust devices 22 preferably comprise a rod 22, having screw threaded connection with the pawl 21, and a bearing 'size to pass through the slot 17 and out into the chute17. 22 indicates a lock nut to secure the rod 22 in position.

23 indicates a driver fixed to the shaft 8 and preferably comprising a ratchet wheel having teeth 23.

24 indicates a plunger preferably mounted to slide at its upper end through an opening in a bracket 24 fixed to the wall 6 and guided at its lower. end by a collar 24 which may be mounted in an opening in the base 5. The plunger 24 is preferably reduced at its upper and lower ends to form shoulders 24 which. operate as stops to engage with the base 5 or collar 24 to limit 'the downward movement of the plunger. and with the bracket 24 to limit its upward movement. 24, indicates a spring preferably coiled aroundthe'plunger 24. The lower end of the spring 24' bears against the base 5 or collar 24", while its upper end engages with a flange or extension 24; provided on the plunger 24, the spring operates to normally press the .plunger upwardly with the upper shoulder 24 thereof in engagement with the bracket 24.

Any suitable means may be provided for operating the plunger 24. In the present instance I preferably provide manually o'perated means, of which 25 indicates a rack provided on one side and extending longitudinally of the plunger 24.

26 indicates an arm extending laterally from the wall 6 and carrying at its free end a bearing member 26. 26 indicates a rock shaft mounted in the bearingmember and provided at its front end with a segmental gear 26 which meshes with the rack 25. When'the gear 26 is operated, the plunger is moved downwardly against the tension of 27 indicates an operator for operating the gear 26. This operator preferably comprises a-shaft 27 mounted in suitable bearings 27 provided in the front wall 3 of the unit, and a crank having a handle 27. The

inner end of the shaft 27 is preferably provided with a key or interlocking device which fits into a recess or opening 26 formed in the front end of the rock shaft 26. The key and recess provide for the disconnection ofthe shaft 26 from the handle 27 so that thestamp delivery and control mechanisms can be removed from the unit casing and then replaced therein 1n a convenient manner. The normal position of the operator 27 is shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 6. Stops 27 27, may be provided upon the front face of the unit to limit the movement of the handle 27 in either direction.

28 indicates a reciprocating driver-engaging member adapted to engage with the teeth 23 0f the driver 23, one by one, and rotate the driver the distance of one tooth each time the plunger 24 is operated in the downward direction. member 28 is connected to and moves with the plunger 24. It preferably comprises a lever 28, having a dog 28 which engages with the driver teeth 23, pivoted on a pin permit this positioning of the coin 24 between two projections or lugs 24*, 24,

carried by the plunger 24. 28 indicates a spring pressed pin, mounted in a suitable recess in the plunger 24 and adapted to press against the tail of the lever 28 and thereby normally maintain the dog 28 in the path of the teeth 23. By this construction, it will be understood that in the upward movement of the plunger 24 to normal position, the dog 28 rides the adjacent tooth 23 and assumes its normal position ready to engage theirewith "when operated the next time.

Preferably, the projection 24 is extended forwardly and carries a plate 24 which, when the plunger 24 moves downwardly, closes the slot 17 and thus prevents the introduction of an additional coin or coins during the vending operation. As shown .at 24 the plate 17 is cut away to allow the plate 24 to slide downwardly.

29, 29 indicate two elongated slots formed in the plate 17 adapted to receive and guide two coin engaging devices 29*, 29, which extend transversely across the coin way 17. The upper portions of the slots 29 curve or extend outwardly in opposite directions so that when the coin engaging devices 29*, 29", .are at the upper ends of the slots, they occupy. positions to one side and out of the path of the coins through the way-17. To

en aging devices, the opposing walls of the plates 17 17*", are cut away as shown at 17, 17. 29", 29" indicate arms or rods, each supportmgat its upper or free end a coin engaging device 29 andpivoted at its opposite end to a suitable projection 29 carried by the plunger 24. When the plunger 24 is operated. the arms or levers 29 move therewith and the devices 29 which are guided inwardly and downwardly by the walls of the The reciprocating slots 29, engage with the upper edges of a coin and force it or the set of coins past the coin arrester 19. The coin or coins are then free to fall into the coin receptacle, or lower portion of the unit casing.

This operation of the plunger 24 and devices 29 in forcing the coin or coins past the coin arrester 19, moves or slides the latter laterally and disengages the pawl 21 from the adjacent tooth} 20 of the control member 20. At the same time. the driverengaging member 28 movesv downwardly, engages with and rotates the driver 23 the distance of one tooth, such engagement taking place immediately following the release of the control member 20; the driver in turn, operating through the shaft 8, rotates the drum or wheel 8 the distance of one stamp, check or ticket so that each time the plunger 24 is operated downwardly, one stamp, check or ticket, that is, a predetermined portion of the strip, is delivered through the delivery opening 3. At each operation of inserting a coin (or set of coins, such as two pennies, in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 61718 and 31) and moving the plunger 24, the control member 20 is released, rotated one tooth, and then locked by the pawl 21 and remains locked until the operation is repeated.

In Figs. 34 and 35 I have shown a slightly modified form of control member which permits more than one stamp to be vended upon the insertion of one coin or set of coins, these figures representing, respectively, a machine for vending five one-cent stamps upon the insertion of a five-cent piece, and five two-cent stamps upon the insertion of a) ten-cent piece.-

eferring to these figures, 30 indicates a control'member provided with a series of teeth 30, which are spaced from each other a number of steps or spaces equal to the number of stamps to be vended for one coin or set of coins. Since the form of invention illustrated in Figs. 34 and 35 is adapted to deliver five stamps for each coin inserted, obviously the teeth 3O are arranged a distance equal to five stamps or spaces from each other. As the control member 20 in F i s. 6, 31, and 32 is provided with ten teeth, it will be understood that the control member 30 is therefore provided with two teeth 30 arranged diametrically opposite each other.

The operation of the apparatus in vending five stamps by the insertion of one coin may be described as follows: The coin is inserted in the opening and falls into engagement with the arrester 19. The plan ger is then'operated. This operation forces the coin past the arrester and disengages the pawl 21 from the adjacent tooth 30 This operation also rotates the control member 30 one step and delivers one stamp through the delivery opening 3. At the end of this operation thepawl 21 returns to normal position, but as the control member is not locked thereby, the operation of depressing the plunger 24 can be repeated four times, or until the other or succeeding tooth 30 engages the pawl 21, each such operation effecting the delivery of a stamp through the delivery opening 3. Each of said stamps can be detached from the strip at the end of each operation or all five can be left'intact until the completion of the last operation.

31 indicates means for operating the switch 17. As has already been stated, this switch is normally arranged in the path of the coins through the slot 17. If defective coins are inserted in the slot, the switch 17 guides them into the chute 17. When the proper size coin in inserted it is of course arrested by the arrester 19 and when. the plunger 24 is depressed, the switch 17 is automatically thrown upwardly out of its path. The switch throwing means 31 preferably comprise an arm 'or plate 31 rigidly connected to move with the plunger 24 and provided with two inclined cams 31, 31". 31 indicates a pin connected with and ;projecting laterally from the switch 17 f and movable through a slot 31 formed therefor in the plate 17. The pin 31 is arranged in the path of the cams 31 and 31". As will be seen from Figs. 17, and 18, when the arm or plate 31 moves downwardly, the cam 31 engagingthe pin 31 moves the switch upwardly out of the path of the coin through the slot 17 and closes the entrance'to the chute 17. When the arm or plate 31 moves in the opposite direction, the cam 31" engages the pin 31 and positively throws the switch back to its normal position.

1 preferably provide means for closing the coin slot 17 when the entire strip of stamps is exhausted or in case the strip becomes separated at any time and the remaining portion of the strip fails to feed forwardly to the delivery opening 3. These means are preferably arranged immediately behind or above the stamp delivery opening so that it will operate after or at the time the last stamp comprising the strip 7" is delivered from the machine. Of these means, 32 indicates a plate pivoted upon a suitable support 32*. carried by the wall 6. The lower end of this plate is preferably provided with :1. series of strip engagmg fingers 32 which aline with the grooves 8 of the delivery wheel or drum 8. As shown in Fig. 12 these fingers 32 rest upon the strip 7, but when the end of the strip is reached said fingers move inwardly into engagement with the bottom wall of the grooves 23. 32 indicates a rod or pin slidin ly mounted in a suitable recess formed in a aterally projecting memher 32 which is formed integrally with the wall 6. The rod 32" is enlarged to form a collar 32 against which a spring 32 surrounding the pin 32 presses at one end, the

opposite end of the spring bearing against tending annularly around the pin 32.

33 indicates a lever preferably mounted in an elongated recess 33 formed in the front edge of the wall 6 and mounted upon a shaft 33? extending across said recess.

The upper end of this lever 33 presses against an arm- 32 fixed to the plate 32 while its opposite end is adapted to fit within the groove 32 formed in the pin 32 and maintain the pin in locked position with its head to one side of the slot 17. 33 indicates a spring engaging with the lever 33 and normally tending to throw its pin engaging end outwardly. When the strip 7" is placed in position and extends around the drum or wheel 8 to the delivery opening, the plate 32 is slightly elevated to lie in engagement with the upper surface of the strip. This forces the lower or pin engag ing end of the lever 33 inwardly and thus locks the pin 32, the latter being moved laterally for this purpose and the spring 32 compressed. When the end of the strip or the last stamp or check is reached, the movement of the fingers 32 inwardly permits the pin engaging end ofthe lever 33, under the action of the spring 33, to move outwardly and thus releases the said pin. The spring 32 then moves the pm 32 across the slot 17. In case an attempt is made to insert coins and to operate the machine when the slot 17 is closed by the pin 32, the openings 17, 17 formed in the plates 17", 17 permit the coin to be moved upwardly and taken out at the'inlet opening 17*.

' 34 indicates means for preventing the operation of the plunger 24, and theremoval of more than one stamp from the machine when one coin or set of. coins is inserted. That is, the means 34 prevent the plunger 24 from being depressed partially or far pivoted at 34 and provided with an arm 34. 34 indicates a spring connected at one end to the wall 6 having its opposite end connected to the arm 34". This spring maintains the lever 34 in normal position but. permits it to swing laterally. 34 in- Q movement, when the latter is not depressed the full distance. 34 indicates a cam provided on the lever 34 Which cam is engaged by the dog 34 and permits the latter to swing the said lever laterally to bring the dog 34 beneath the shoulder 34 I v 35 indicates a pawl or lever, pivoted on the lever 34. One arm of the lever 35 extends beyond theend of the shoulder 34 and into the path of the dog 34 so that the latter will operate it in its downward movement.

35 indicates a spring having one end fixed to the other arm of the pawl 35 and its opposite end suitably connected to the lever 34 and operating to normally maintain the dog engaging arm thereof in the path of the dog 34. 35 indicates, a cam or inclined wall provided on the lower edge of the pawl 35 which cam is engaged by the dog 34 when the latter moves upwardly. 35 indicates a pin or stop carried by the lever 34 and operating to limit the "movement of the pawl r '35 in one direction. The parts of the plunger locking means34c06perate with each other to lock the plunger 24 in that .position thereof when the pawl 21 has been disengaged from the tooth of the control member'and prior to the forcing of the coin entirely past the-coin arrester 19; that is, in case the plunger 24 is not operated its entire dis tance downwardly but only far enough to force the coin into a dead center position between the arrester 19 and the opposite end wall of the slot 17, these means 34 prevent the upward movement of the plunger 24 and can only be released therefrom by first depressing the plunger 24 to its fullest extent.

The plunger locking means 34 operate in the following manner: When the plunger is depressed, the dog 34 engages the cam 34 and swings the lever' 34 laterally until it passes below the sh011lder. 34 The lever then' swings back to its former position to bring the shoulder 34 in the path of the dog 34*. The dog 34 also enga es with and swings the pawl 35 downwardly. If the plunger 24 is fully depressed, the pawl 35 is released and swings backwardly to normal position. Now.when the spring 24 moves the plunger upwardly, the dog 34 engages with the cam or inclined wall 35. of the pawl 35, again swinging the lever 34 laterally so that it can ride past the shoulder 1 34. If the plunger'is depressed only artially, that is, to the position shown in ig. 18, the dog 34, which has been moved below the shoulder 34? (but not far enough to permit the pawl 35 to swing back to-normal position), will be locked against up-- ward movement by the said shoulder 34*. Under these conditions,-the plunger can only be returned to normal position by a completion ofits downward stroke. The lever 34 is preferably provided with acam 34 which is engaged by the dog 34 to move the lever laterally and effect a quick release or disengagement of the pawl 35 from the dog 34.

36 indicates means for engaging with the control member and preventing it from rotating more than the distance of one tooth during an operation of vending a stamp from the machine, or whilerit is released from the pawl 21. The purpose of these means is to prevent the operation of the controllingmechanism'in such,- manner that the end of the stamp strip, which may be forced through, the delivery opening by a partial operation of the handle-27, can be grasped and pulled outwardly. Under such circumstances where the controlling mechanism is only partially operated, it might be possible to catch hold of the stamp strip and pull it entirely out of the machine. Of these means, 36 indicates a lock lever pivoted at 36 to the wall 6. This lever is provided at one .end with a projecting lug or dog which is arranged to move'into the-path of the teeth 20 of the control member 20. The opposite end ofthe lever 36 is provided with an elongated slot in which is mounted a pin 21 carried by the pawl 21. When the pawl 21 is "thrown outwardly and unlocks the con- 21 assumes its normal position ready to engage'thef next tooth following that previously released as soon as the coin has been forced past the arrester 19 and simultaneously moves the dog 36 out of the path of the tooth- 20, whereby the rotation of the feed-or drum wheel 8 can be effected by the engagement of the dog 28 with a tooth 23*? V of the driver 23.

The machine may be adapted to vend a single stamp upon the insertion of a set of coins, for instance one two-cent stamp for two pennies (see Figs, 6'17 1831). In operating a vending mechanism of this character, the coins are inserted separately in the slot 17 the first being stopped'by the arrester 19 and the second coin, which is inserted immediately after the first coin falls, upon the upper edge thereof. The coin en gaging devices 2 9 engage with the upper edge of the second coin and force both coins past the arrester 19. In this form of the invention the arrester 19 is arranged farther two coins between it and the devices 29, and

1 down the-slot 17, to permit the positioning of eration the slot .17 is. enlarged so that the emma the pawl 21 is lengthenedto bring the thrust devices 22 in line with the arrester 19.

As the arrester 19 is moved back to normal position in the slot 17 by the compression spring21 very quickly after the first inserted coin has been forced by it, I preferably provide means for enlarging the slot 17 adjacent or opposite to the arrester to peralong one longitudinal' edge of the arm 37 f and adapted to form the end wall of the slot 17 opposite the arrester 19. 37 indicates a pin carried by the free end of'the arm and movable in a slot 37 preferably formed in the plate31, and having a straightportion 37 and a cam portion 37. As the plate 31' moves downwardly the pin .37 move's from end to end of-the slot 37 and swings the arm 37 outwardly when the pin 37 -entersthe cam portion 36. In the upward movement ofthe plate 31, the arm 37 is returned to normal position. As will be understood, the cam portion 37 of the slot is arranged to operate the arm 37 and the flange 37 immediately following the movement of the first coin past the arrester. By this construction and op second coin is free'to move or fall downwardly behind the first coin without being stopped by the arrester 19. a i The length of movement of the plunger 24 downwardly at each operation is controlled by the stop 24 near its lower end "and also by the handle 27 engaging one'of the stops 27 on the adjacent front'wall 3. These control devices are arranged so that in case only one coin is inserted, the plunger cannot be depressed far enough to bring the coin engaging devices 29 into engagement therewith and cause the operation of the delivery mechanism. p

38 indicates a gear wheel carried-by the shaft 8 near one end thereof. 38 indicates a frame supported by feet 38" at one side of the wall 6 and provided'with a flange 38%. A 38 indicates a register or indicating device mounted on the, fiange 38. 38, indicates a gear fixed to the shaft of the register 38.

38, 38 indicate intermediate, or idle gears mounted on shafts which are supported by the frame 38, and adapted to communicate the rotative movement from'the-gear'38 to the gear 38. It will be understood that each time a stamp or ticket is vendedfrom the machine, the countingdevice 38 is operated one point. The gear mechanism between the indicator 38 and'the shaft 8 "is arranged to rotate the numbers backwardly, that is, to subtract one from the numbershown each time the machine is operated.

When the stamp box? is filled, the indicator isset to show the total number of stamps placed in the machine and each time a stamp is delivered the number is reduced one unit or number. The indicator will therefore indicate at all times the number of stamps remaining in the machine.

To those skilled in the art of making vending machines of the class described, many alterations in construction and widely difiering embodiments and applications of my invention will s'uggestthemselves, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. My disclosures and the description therein are purely illustrative, and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

No claim is made herein to the disclosed subjects-matter relating to the coin-controlled mechanisms, coin slot closing devices and coin or slug return mechanism, the invention therein being claimed by me in a divisional application filed on the 18th day of January, 1917, Ser. No. 142,974.

What I claim is:

1. The combination of a feed or delivery wheel for a strip of material, a stripengaging member carried by said wheel and extending through the periphery thereof, means for moving said member substantially circumferentially of said wheel, and means for rotating saidwheel.v

2. The combination of a wheel for delivering a strip of material, said wheel betially circumferentially of the wheel for engagement with the strip of material, and

means for moving the device in one direction.

3. The combination of a wheel for delivering a strip of material, said wheel being formed with an opening in its periphery, a device mounted in said opening and movable in opposite directions substantially circumferentiallyof the wheel for engagement with the strip of material, means for moving the device in one direction, and means for moving the device in the opposite direction. l

4. The combination of a wheel for delivering a strip of material, said wheel being formed with an opening in its periphery, a device pivotally mounted on the wheel, the free end of said device being mounted in the opening in the periphery. and movable substantially ,c-ircumferentially of the. wheel for engagement with the strip, and means for moving said device on its pivot.

5. In a machine of theclass described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adaptedto feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, spaced perforation finding devices carried by said wheel and extending beyond the periphery thereof and adapted to move in a direction substantially circumferential of the wheel to find the perforations of the strip, and means for operating the said de- Vices successively. j .6. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adapted to feed forwardlya strip of stamps or'tickets separated by lines of perforations, I

cumferentiallyof the wheel into an inopera:

tive position, and means for operating the devices successively in the opposite direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, the said drum or wheel being formed with a series of spaced openings, a series of perforation finding devices each arranged in one of said openings and projecting beyond the periphery of said drum or wheel, means for delivering the strip to the wheel, means tending to maintain the said devices at the rear end of the openings prior to the delivery of the strip to the wheel, and means for moving the said devices substantially circumferentially of said wheel to find and enter the perforations of the strip.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, the said drum or Wheel being formed with a series of spaced Op nings, a series of perforation finding devices, each arranged in one of said openings, means for delivering a strip to the wheel, means for moving the said devices rearwardly substantially circumferentially of the wheelilprior to the en-' gagement of the strip with the said drum or wheel, and means for moving the said devices in the opposite direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel to find and enter the perforations of the strip.-

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, the said drum or wheel being formed with a series of spaced openings, a series of perforation finding devices, each projecting through one of said openings, means for delivering the strip to the wheel, means for "moving the said devices in one direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel prior to the engagement of the strip with the said drum or wheel, and a cam for operating the said devices in the opposite directipln isubstantially circumferentially of said w ee 10. In a machine of the classdescribed, the combination of a delivery drum or Wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, the said drum or Wheel being formed with a series of spaced openings, a series of perforation finding devices, each arranged in one'of said openings,- means for delivering the strip to the wheel, means for moving the said devices in one direction substantially circumferentially of said wheel prior to the engagement of the strip with the said drum or wheel, a cam for operating the said devices in the opposite direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel, and means for adjusting the said cam.

11. The combination of a strip feed and delivery wheel, a support therefor, means for rotating the said wheel, means for delivering to said wheel a strip of material formed with weakened transverse lines, a series of devices carried by said wheel and projecting from the periphery of said wheel, the said devices being mounted to move in opposite directions substantially circumferentially relative to the wheel, means for moving the said devices substantially circumferentially of the wheel in one direction into an inoperative position prior to the delivery of the strip to the wheel, and means for operating the said devices in the opposite direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel successively to find the weakened lines in the strip.

12. The combination of a strip feed wheel, a support therefor, means for rotating said Wheel, means for delivering to said wheel astrip of material formed with weakened transverse lines, a series of devices carried by said wheel and projecting from the pe riphery thereof, the said devices being mounted to move in opposite directions substantially circumferentially *of the rim of said wheel, means for moving the said devices in one direction substantially circumferentially of the wheel into an inoperative position prior to the delivery of the strip to the wheel, and means for successively moving the said devices in the opposite direction substantially circumferentially of the Wheel to find the weakened lines in the strip, one of said moving means being carried by said support.

13. The combination of a strip feed and delivery wheel, a support therefor, means for rotating the saidwheel, means for delivering to said wheel a strip of material formed ith weakened transverse'lines, a series of devices carried by said wheel and extending from the periphery thereof, the said devices being mounted to move in 0pposite directions substantially circumferentially of the wheel, means arranged within the wheel for moving the said devices in one direction into inoperative position prior to the delivery vof the strip of material to the said wheel, auxiliary means supported by the wheel support for moving the said devices into an inoperative position prior to the delivery of the strip of material to the wheel, and means for operating the said devices successively in the opposite direction to find the weakened lines in the said strip.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum orwheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, spaced perforation finding devices carried by said wheel and adapted tomove inopposite directions substantially circumferentially of the wheel, whereby when said jdevices move in onedirection they engage the perforations of the strip, means for successively operating the said devices in one direction, and a strip guide extending circumferentially of the wheel.

15. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, spaced perforation finding devices carried by said wheel and adapted to move in opposite d1- rections substantially circumferentially of the rim of said wheel, whereby when said devices'move in one direction they engage the perforationsof the strip,v means for successively moving said devices in opposite directions, and a strip guide extending cir-v cumferentially of the' wheel.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a delivery drum or wheel adapted to feed forwardly a strip of stamps or tickets separated by lines of perforations, spaced perforation findin devices earned by said wheel and adapte to move relative thereto to find the perforations of the strip, means for successively operating .the sald devices, and strip tensioning means comprising a plate and a spring pressed shoe, for tensioning the strip as it is del1veredto 17. The combination of a strip feed or delivery wheel, mechanism for operating the wheel; a series of transverse shaits carried by the wheel and arranged: concentricallyto the axis of the wheel, a series of sets of strip engaging devices, the free ends of which are arranged in openings formed in the rim of said wheel, the devices of each set being pivotally mounted on one of said shafts, means for delivering a strip of material to the wheel, and means for operating the said devices about their pivots at a predetermined point during the revolution of the wheel.

18. The combination of a strip feed and" delivery wheel, formed with a series of openings, mechanism for operating the said wheel, means for delivering; a strip of material having perforations. to permit its ELL separation along transverse lines, a series of pivoted levers one endof each of which extends through one of' the openings, and a cam with which the opposite end of each of said levers engages, whereby that end of the lever which extends through an adjacent opening is moved substantially circumferentially of the-wheel into a perforation of the strip.

19. The combination of a strip feed and delivery wheel, formed with aseries of openings, mechanism for operating the said wheel, means for delivering a strip of material having perforations to permit its separation along transverse lines, a series of devices carried by and having movement relative to said wheel for finding the said perforations, a cam for operating the said devices successively, each of the devices comprising a pivoted lever carrying a member extending through the adjacent opening in the wheel and arranged to project into a perforation in the strip, a tail piece engaging with the said cam, and a weight carried by each of said devices for moving the said device into an inoperative position prior to the feeding of the strip to the wheel.

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a feed or delivery wheel formed with a series of openings, mechanism for rotating said wheel, means for delivering a strip of-material to said wheel, devices, projecting through said openings and arrangedto enter the perforations in the stamp strip when in registry therewith, and means for moving the said devices relative to the saidwheel and said strip as the latter is fed thereto, to bring the said devices into registry with the perforations.

2l. The combination of a plunger, lock and release means'for controlling the operation thereof, a dog carried by said plunger, a swingable member having a shoulder normally arranged in the path of said dog,

means cooperating with the dog for swinging said member laterally during downward movement ofthe plunger, and means cooperating with said dog for swinging the said member laterally during upward movement of the plunger when the latter has been moved itsentire distance.

22. In mechanism of the class described, the combination of a plunger, lock and release means for controlling the operation of said plunger, a dog carried bysaid plunger, a swingable member having a shoulder normally arranged in the path of said dog and means cooperating with the dog to swing said member laterally during downward movement of the plunger, and'means cooperating with said d'og for swinging the said member laterally during. the upward movement of the plunger when the latter has been moved its entire stroke.

23. In mechanisnrof the class described, 

